41 - Justin Fields, Ohio State (2019)
39 - Drew Brees, Purdue (1998) , Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished the Rose Bowl with 347 Rec yds, a new bowl record and the 5th most in a game in FBS history.
The Buckeyes prevail in a thriller, 48-45 over No. Smith-Njigba entered Ohio State in 2020 with a ton of pedigree. - He's not going to blow by any defensive backs with his speed, and he's not going to participate in 40-yard dash drills at the combine, so he won't be able to change the narrative that he's a tad slower than some other standouts at WR in this class. 10 overall to the Jets) and Chris Olave (No. One of his most impressive plays of the evening was breaking a tackle and rushing for a 62-yard score. He also sometimes lacks the strength to maintain key blocks on the outside. He. We'll see if this matters at all when it comes to his draft stock. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is breaking records as he scored the go-ahead touchdown on a right corner fade. Jaxon Smith-Njigba now has the Ohio State record for most receiving yards in a game.
Coming into this season, Ohio State only had four 200-yard receiving games ever. Any team investing possible 1st round capital in him knows who they are getting. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. 2023 NFL Draft Highlights: Jaxon. The Ohio State WR is a natural hands catcher, with incredibly smooth body control in the open field when adjusting for throws. He believes that if he had, confetti could have rained down on the scarlet and gray. Going further, Smith-Njigba has enough explosiveness to get out into space and escape congestion after taking short passes. Despite having most of his 2022 season wiped out by the injury, the six-foot, 197-pound Smith-Njigba is still a good bet to hear his name called in the first round of the draft, given his past production and the outstanding hands and agility he's displayed when healthy. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. Who are the top WR's in the 2023 NFL draft? Coming to the team, it was assumed he would have to wait his time sitting behind a loaded receiving core for the Buckeyes. "I was 100 percent as of two weeks ago. Stroud is incredible. This is me Follow. And when the ball comes his way, Smith-Njigba has rare instincts and excellent hands. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? The Buckeyes entered with a chip on their shoulder after missing out on the College Football Playoff for the first time in three years. hamstring injury limited him to three games in 2022, though. Based on Stroud's performance, in addition to the performances of his receivers, Ohio State could very well be in the College Football Playoff next season. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. College Football at Sports-Reference.com Blog and Articles. Rising didn't begin the 2021 campaign as Utah's starting quarterback but earned the position after taking over for Charlie Brewer in an overtime loss to San Diego State on Sept. 18 and led the Utes to a Pac-12 championship. Still, a first-round selection is a pretty good consolation prize. Smith-Njigba is just 20 years old. That may give some teams understandable pause. More Jaxon Smith-Njigba Pages. And looking at his evaluation, that early-round billing is warranted. XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? ANY GAME! Smith-Njigba is undergoing medical testing at the combine, with coaches and front-office executives monitoring the results on the hamstring injury that limited him in 2022. After Ohio State was forced to punt on its first two drives of the game, Stroud orchestrated three consecutive touchdown drives before a fumble by Smith-Njigba close to the end zone in the second quarter. Those things translate. They won that game 64-6. Hes not the most explosive or the fastest receiver, but hes a methodical route runner who can employ his brand of athleticism extremely efficiently. Can the Lions fix their defense? See our list of forfeits and vacated games for more details. Terry Glenn previously held the record, having recorded 253 yards against Pitt in 1995. Jaxon Smith-Njigba believes Ohio State would have won the national championship had he been healthy all of last season. And as a true sophomore in 2021, Smith-Njigba led a talented Buckeyes receiving corps in both receptions and receiving yards with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine scores. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine 1 site covering the team! ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. He uses violent targeted swats to combat jams and swipes down arms at the catch point. Career; Var 19-20; Var 18-19; Var 17-18; Var 16-17; Career Stats. Rockwall High School Rockwall TX. He will be an immediate asset to the run game. People will knock him for his long speed BUT thats not how he wins. Smith-Njigba could be an immediate target hog in the NFL. He can manipulate defensive backs and tempo routes to maximize space. It should also be noted that the Buckeyes were without a whopping 24 players against Utah for various reasons, which makes their performance even more impressive. He was named a starter at the slot receiver position for the Buckeyes going into his sophomore season. Time will tell where he gets drafted, but he's currently one of the more intriguing prospects at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. Additionally, he primarily operated out of the slot in 2021 and frequently had free releases. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Friday, March 3, 6:39AM. GET BEARS NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX DAILY WITH OUR NEWSLETTER. The Player the Ravens Should Be Watching at the . Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a bold message at the 2023 NFL Draft Combine, wrote the Athletic Chicago Bears beat writer Kevin Fishbain wrote in a Thursday tweet. Stroud To Be the No. - He's great at getting open on broken plays, as he can often be found scrambling around nearly as much as his quarterback while trying to get open. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. 1 Pick, The Case for C.J. Smith-Njigba proceeded to shatter the school's record for most receiving yards in a game, previously held by Terry Glenn with 253 yards. He also set an Ohio State and FBS. height 6' 0" college Ohio State drafted . [16] Smith-Njigba's older brother, Canaan Smith-Njigba, plays for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB).[17]. Addison is 6-0 175, Hyatt is 6-0 180. Smith-Njigba has visible lateral twitch, and he brings good energy with his movement. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will do every test except 40-yard dash at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. Heres a look at what Smith-Njigba has to offer and where he stands in a crowded 2023 NFL Draft wide receiver class. Also, in saying that, it has to be mentioned that he is plenty quick to win in the NFL. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Plays Football. Over the final five games of the 2021 season, the Texas native accumulated 60 receptions for 958 yards and six touchdowns. 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; 2021 Game Logs * indicates bowl game; 2021 Game Logs Table; Receiving Punt Ret; Rk Date School Opponent Rec Yds Avg TD Ret Yds Avg TD; 1: 2021-09 . apped his 2021 campaign with a ridiculous performance in the Rose Bowl against Utah, catching 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns through the air, setting a new record for receiving yards in the legendary bowl game. He hit .258 with .760 OPS last season, missing almost six weeks with a right thigh injury. Additionally, the Ohio State WR consistently finishes forward on RAC plays and actively uses stiff arms to delay and disrupt tackle attempts. In 2021, he earned third-team All-America after snagging 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore. NFL teams really only have his 2021 stats (95 . Speaking of which, he's a YAC machine. Here's a look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Receiving. MORE:Tracking the fastest 40 times from the 2023 NFL Combine, "My playmaking ability is second to none," Smith-Njigba said. Below Ill take a closer look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Theres the regular season, and then there is rookie fever season. As a result, many are interested to see how he tests at the Scouting Combine. And already, he looks like a man amongst boys. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. [13] In that game, he also recorded 15 receptions (tying his own record set in the aforementioned Nebraska game) and passed David Boston for the single season receiving yards record at Ohio State with 1,606. He already has a rapport with Fields. He caught just five passes for 43 yards in his final season with the Buckeyes, which has some wondering how teams currently view him with his best season over a year removed. . Are you looking to contact Customer Support about a subscription or account related question? What makes Smith-Njigbas game particularly appealing is that his mode of success is very translatable to the next level. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. It was his most productive performance since a Nov. 13 win over Arizona when he threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 22 yards a score. Ohio State has a type at wide receiver. A native of Rockwall, TX, Smith-Njigba has impressive route-running, agility, and a knack for making plays with the ball in his hands. Check out Jaxon Smith-Njigba's College Gamelog and More College Stats at Sports-Reference.com . Smith-Njigba is now the Ohio State record holder for the most receiving yards in a game. He quickly chops his feet and decelerates heading into route stems. He only played three games in 2022 due to a lingering. He finished the 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,595. [8][9], Smith-Njigba played in seven games as a freshman and led Ohio State's freshmen with 10 receptions for 49 yards and one touchdown.[10]. Latest on Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba including news, stats, videos, highlights and more on ESPN , Most TD passes in single season by B1G QB, all-time:
50 - Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State (2018)
41 - C.J. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. . In addition to Stroud, Smith-Njigba, who had a record-setting night, and Marvin Harrison Jr. also had incredible evenings. Smith-Njigba is undergoing medical testing at the combine, with coaches and front-office executives monitoring the results on the hamstring injury that limited him in 2022. historically in the player's position group (Higher value represents better perfomance). 6 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. Smith-Njigba was the leading receiver on a team that featured last year's NFL rookie . If the Bears have a chance to snag him, JSN feels like one of the few no-brainers of the draft. Ohio State sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had one of the most epic Rose Bowl performances of all time -- literally one for the record books -- on Saturday as No. He was replaced by freshman quarterback Bryson Barnes. 11 Utah Utes 48-45 in Saturday's Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, to finish the 2021 season with an 11-2 record. He flashes the ability to stack corners on verticals from the slot easily. In his final two seasons . Hes a fairly easy accelerator who generates solid initial momentum and can freely throttle up and down. It's officially NFL draft season, so it's time to get to know the best players at every positions in the 2023 class. Or write about sports? 4 Zay Flowers - Boston College. The Buckeyes are winning 45-38 thanks to the 85-yard drive capped by Smith-Njigba. If anything, Saturday's game showed us the Buckeyes are in good hands moving forward. Smith-Njigba isnt necessarily a generational WR prospect, and other wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft may have better athletic profiles. Expectations were high after Smith-Njigba's stellar Rose Bowl performance in which he caught 15 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns that put an exclamation point on a 2021 season in which he set a Big Ten record with 1,606 yards. Buckeyes' Smith-Njigba, Williams back vs. Iowa, Ohio State rules out Smith-Njigba, Williams. Jaxon Smith-Njigba 2023 NFL Draft Outlook Hasn't had a chance to show what he can do this past season, but what he showed as a sophomore strongly suggests he's one of the most pro-ready. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height, Weight and Hand Size Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. 11 overall to New Orleans), Broke 20-year-old Big Ten receiving yards record (1,545 yards in 2001 by Lee Evan, Wisconsin) with his 1,606 receiving yards in 2021, 95 receptions rank fifth-most in Big Ten history, Set Rose Bowl records with 347 receiving yards and 15 receptions with three touchdowns and was named offensive most valuable player, 2021: Rose Bowl game MVP; Third-team All-American (Associated Press), Named the Texas 6A State Player of the Year - No. Smith-Njigba was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, and graduated from Rockwall High School. He wont always win on explosiveness alone, and he doesnt cover a ton of ground off initial explosions out of cuts. Other than his standout sophomore season, Smith-Njigba hasn't done much. And now, with Wilson and Olave gone, the spotlight is on him alone. His route running is superior to most wideouts in this draft class. Hes more quick than fast. Garrett Wilson still maintains that Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a better receiver than him or Chris Olave. Smith-Njigba showed some star potential in college, especially during the 2021 season in which he finished with 95 catches for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns. Rising had a difficult second half, and things got even worse when he was sacked by Ohio State's Kourt Williams II and had to be taken out of the game in the fourth quarter. Scouts aren't the only football people high on Smith-Njigba. It is impossible to ignore his monster finish to the 2021 season, and he has starting slot potential, but the speed concerns coupled with an injury-plagued 2022 season threaten to negatively impact his draft stock.". Three trades in a chaotic top five, NFL draft questions, predictions for combine workouts: Potential risers, top QBs and burners to watch, Played college football at Cheyney University. Smith-Njigba wont burn you in the open field with his raw speed, but that isnt necessary for him to succeed. Entering 2022, Smith-Njigba had been projected as one of the top wide receivers in the country. With lacking elite explosiveness and burst, Smith-Njigba isnt going to offer a consistent dynamic element downfield. 2 wideout in the class, behind Zay Flowers (Boston College), while Todd McShay has him at No. He had six drops in his 2021 campaign. When Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a likely first round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, was asked what stood out about his formal interview with the Green and Gold, he said the team's desire to add playmaking to their passing game. As a senior, he caught 104 passes for 2,094 yards and 35 scores. (37%*), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL, Had an elite 2021 season when he led Ohio State with school-record totals of 95 receptions and 1,606 receiving yards on a team that also featured first-round NFL Draft picks Garrett Wilson (No. Smith-Njigba turned down offers from multiple in-state schools and decided to take his talents to Columbus. Jaxon Smith-Njigba rose to stardom at Rockwell High School in Rockwell, Texas, where he became a five-star recruit, according to both 24/7 sports and Rivals. And Smith-Njigba holds up his end there as well. Smith-Njigba finished with 15 catches for 346 yards and three touchdowns. Smith-Njigba is a bit of an enigma athletically. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Has a knack for getting open and is a quarterback's best friend - passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he'll come down with it. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. If the picks line up, adding Smith-Njigba would be an easy decision for Chicago. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba said he met with the New England Patriots at the combine and also praised the franchise and Mac Jones. The sophomore was a supernova against the Utah secondary, hauling in 15 catches for 347 yards and three touchdowns. The Case for Anthony Richardson To Be the No. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the smoothest route runners you'll . Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. INDIANAPOLIS -- Former Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba says he is fully healed from the hamstring injury that kept him out for most of last season, and he intends to participate in all drills at the NFL scouting combine except for the 40-yard dash. I see myself as a top-five player in this draft. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has studied Bills' Stefon Diggs since Maryland, would love to play with Josh Allen - newyorkupstate.com NFL Draft may have strongest class of tight ends in . Like other Ohio State WRs before him, Smith-Njigba isnt an overwhelming size threat. . I just don't really care about his 40 time. As it turns out, all the Buckeyes needed was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. 11 Utah and No. He also uses route angles and sudden movements at stems to generate displacement. While Stroud ended the first half on a high note, he and the OSU offense got out to a rough start to open the third quarter. Jaxon Smith-Njigba Height 6-1 Weight 200 College Ohio State Position WR Class Junior Home town Rockwall, TX 88.3/100 Player Rating 4 PositionRank (WR) FortyYD Time Receptions 5 Rec YDs 43 Rec TDs Rec AVG PLAYER OVERVIEW STATS WORKOUT COMBINE PLAYER NEWS Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report Draft Profile: Bio He holds the FBS Bowl Game and Ohio State single game record for most receiving yards with 347 in the 2022 Rose Bowl. 6 Ohio State won a 48 . 2022; 2021; 2020; Career; Splits. - Hes difficult to bring down. Every dynasty GM knows there is no offseason. There's no other way to put it. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. But I just haven't had enough reps on the 40 yet, so pro day you'll see me run.". Jaxon Smith-Njigba plays wide receiver for Ohio State in college football. But Kiper shifted gears for his second mock, predicting New England to draft Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. You can check them all out in our, How to Prepare for Your Dynasty Rookie Draft, Dynasty Rookie Draft Pick Trade Strategy & Advice, Fantasy Football Draft Values to Target: Tight Ends (2023), Dynasty Trade Advice: Trade Jamaal Williams (2023 Fantasy Football), Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers: Jake Ferguson (2023), 2023 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Aaron Rodgers & Jimmy Garoppolo (Fantasy Football), 2023 NFL Free Agent Running Backs: Devin Singletary (Fantasy Football), Fantasy Football Draft Quarterback Breakouts (2023), No, I'm a California resident looking for the California Consumer Privacy Act form, Limited to three games played in 2022 due to a hamstring injury. Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. However, he needs more press experience on the boundary to prove it. You don't currently have any notifications. Smith-Njigbas snap at the top of his stem is excellent, which allows him to create easy separation. He has a very reasonable path to success at the next level, but his lack of elite burst and speed are notable concerns. Ohio State WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been widely recognized as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft class after his breakout season in 2021 that saw him outpace two future . Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. C.J. A text message to Smith-Njigba has not been returned yet. 1 Pick. e's a Grade A slot receiver. The Ohio State WR also has great stop-and-start ability and can break at impressive angles with his loose hips. The Ohio State WR has near-elite stopping ability. In his final five games, he had 60 catches for 858 yards and six scores. Stats at ESPN.com. Smith-Njigba is a possession slot receiver who lacks the shake to separate underneath and the speed to run past defenses. Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as the college football season kicks off and we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. On the topic of Ohio State, Smith-Njigba expressed regret that he wasn't able to play more. As a freshman, Smith-Njigba was a depth piece who would get a few snaps a game. Those are two of the most important jobs for a wide receiver. Rising and the Utes put together five consecutive scoring drives before ending the first half with a punt. 19-20 Varsity Football. While hes not an elite explosive threat, Smith-Njigbas cylindrical twitch is high-level, and he uses that trait to get DBs off-balance. STROUD 50-YARD TD TO JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA . With those hips, he can expertly manipulate short ranges, as well as use abrupt lateral movements to disrupt tackling angles. Still, he had earned more . Any team investing high draft capital in him knows what they are getting: a high-volume wide receiver that can work both inside and on the perimeter. He has 15 receptions for 92 receiving yards and a score. And judging by the way those around the league view the 21-year old, it seems Smith-Njigba will have every chance to prove his worth at the next level. . All Rights Reserved. Hes a guy that will do the laundry for you pic.twitter.com/oFeHCi8qPj. A former five-star recruit, Smith-Njigba has dominated everywhere hes been. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's Football Stats. I just try to use all those qualities and get the job done. Stroud. "I'm ready to go out and attack and show my skill set," Smith-Njigba said Friday. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title.